2009, my 25th year of mastering was musically interesting. It sure is unfair to mention just a few of the most exciting albums but let’s say that no bad album has been mastered last year. To mention some that I will definately remember were Skyforger by Amorphis, Kuu Kaakon Yllä by Viikate, Nifelvind by Finntroll, Buck The Odds by Peer Günt and Aio by Metsatöll. The title of the Finntroll album seems to have changed after mastering. Also the title of the intro has changed. I liked more Henu’s proposal WTF LOL CONAN.
In addition to the artists mentioned above my iPod is filled with foreign acts such as Dulcamara, Rhesus, Ed-Äke, Stoned Machine, Vitaimana, Unsoled, Tyr, Mortemia, Alioth. Dark Horizon, Bleed Out, Liquid Graveyard, EnBlanco, Rather Unwise, The Foreshadowing, The Punishers and The Way Of Purity.
What ever... that’s part of the work history, only music will remain alive. The beginning of the new mastering decade could not have been more thrilling than it has been so far. Or what do you think about bands like Stam1na, Viikate, Mokoma (all these mixed by Miitri Aaltonen - respect my man!), Parasite City, Amorphis, Kivimetsän Druidi, Tarot and Kotiteollisuus. I’m proud of the fact that an older count like I am can still get so excited about new bands and their fresh albums. Kotiteollisuus has done a track to Killing Joke’s tribute album. There are a few other much awaited versions of that British new wave post punk anchour... for example Metallica and Foo Fighters... but I’m pretty sure that our KT will knock out all others.
Amorphis is showing to everybody in their becoming live DVD that at the moment they are the best band in the world... making perfect albums and playing killer gigs alive. To prove I’m right, just check the photos from that recorded gig from Teatria, Oulu.
At the change of the decade the total amount of my album masterings reached 3100 units and a total of 1000 metal/hard rock album masterings became real. With this number of metal albums maybe I should apply to work at the British steel?!
In the frontline of photography many hours have been spent. Evidence will be uploaded on the site once pics have been mastered. Amorphis and The 69 Eyes will be accompanied by at least Kotiteollisuus, HIM, Ajattara, Kolmas Nainen, Stratovarius and Backyard Babies. These Neanderthalic baboon look-a-like Swedes chose some of my photos taken from the last Tavastia gig to their recently released 20th anniversary photo book named Them XX... and I couldn’t be more proud of that! It’s been great to have so hectic time in the photography shooting gallery even after Nightwish ended their world tour. I almost got used to shooting, meeting and enjoying the hospitality of the band and crew every couple of months around the Europe.
I wonder what is happening with Finnvox in the future… When music business is struggling and everybody is crying about the financial crisis, Finnvox is getting bigger by building more studios. Mikko Oinonen who joined the staff last year came to the house with clean ears, bright eyes and fresh ideas and has already taken some responsibility in the development of the 45 year-old institute. More of these news will be announced in the Finnvox web site soon.
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